About

We are a community of learners. We educate students to be successful in acquiring the knowledge, skills and intellectual virtues needed to become caring, responsible citizens who value learning for a lifetime.

Michelle Tarsi — Principal

Mrs. Tarsi joined Samuel Staples Elementary School after spending 23 years as an educator in the Danbury Public Schools. Most recently, she served as Principal of Mill Ridge Primary School. Throughout her career, she has also served as an Assistant Principal at Park Avenue Elementary School, District Numeracy Coach, District Summer School Administrator, and classroom teacher in kindergarten, first, third, and fourth grades. She holds degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology, Reading, and Educational Leadership, as well as certifications in TESOL and Adult Education.

At the heart of Mrs. Tarsi’s work is a simple belief: Every Kid, Every Day, No Matter What. She believes strong relationships are the foundation for learning and that every child deserves to be known, valued, supported, and challenged to be their very best. She wants SSES to be a place where students feel happy and safe, where kindness matters, and where children know there are adults who believe in them and hold high expectations for them. Mrs. Tarsi believes in listening and learning from students, staff, and families and making decisions with children at the center. She is committed to ensuring that SSES is a community that supports the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student. One of her favorite parts of being an elementary principal is watching students learn and grow—and seeing the pride they feel when they realize what they can accomplish.

Outside of school, Mrs. Tarsi is a mom to two children of her own. She enjoys reading, baking, hiking, trips to New York City, and basketball. One of her favorite children’s books is The One and Only Ivan. She is excited to be part of the Samuel Staples community and looks forward to continuing to get to know the students, staff, and families who make SSES such a special place.

Christina Ulreich-Kean — Assistant Principal

Meet Mrs. Ulreich-Kean of Samuel Staples Elementary School!

Mrs. Ulreich-Kean joined Samuel Staples Elementary School in 2024, after serving for nine years as Assistant Principal of Ox Ridge Elementary School in Darien. Prior to becoming an administrator, she taught kindergarten and third grade in the Bethel Public Schools and later served as a literacy coach at both the elementary and middle school levels. Her varied experiences as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school leader have shaped her commitment to supporting strong teaching and learning while building a connected and caring school community.

At the heart of Mrs. Ulreich-Kean’s philosophy is the belief that elementary school should be filled with joy, curiosity, and laughter. She believes students learn best when they feel safe to ask questions, take risks, make mistakes, and know that the adults around them believe in them. She is committed to creating a school environment where students, staff, and families feel welcomed, valued, and supported.

Mrs. Ulreich-Kean especially values the relationships that make a school community strong and enjoys getting to know students and families throughout the year. She is proud to be part of the Samuel Staples community and looks forward to continuing to work alongside its students, staff, and families.